Preview of CSD11 for Monday, 5 May 2003

The 11th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD11), the first follow-up meeting to the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in August-September last year, goes into negotiating mode this week (5-9 May 2003).

The first week of CSD11 (28 April-2 May), which is being chaired by Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Valli Moosa, brought together more than 50 ministers from CSD member countries to give political and practical guidance on how to move forward with implementing sustainable development after the Johannesburg Summit.

The ministerial meetings agreed new methods for and organisation of the CSD’s work, and renewed the focus on practical implementation of sustainable development. These meetings culminated in a draft CSD11 decision, compiled by the chairperson, which was released on Thursday afternoon (1 May).

During the coming week, two working groups will start negotiations:

WORKING GROUP 1:

Co-chaired by Hossein Moeini Meybodi (Iran) and Nadine Gouzée (Belgium), the working group will meet from 10am-1pm, and from 4-6pm to negotiate sections in the chairperson's draft decision on the future organisation of work and the multi-year programme of work.

WORKING GROUP 2:

Co-chaired by Irena Zubevi (Croatia) and Bruno Stagno (Costa Rica), this working group will convene from 10am-1pm, and from 4-6pm to consider sections in the chairperson's draft decision on:

• reporting;
• enhancing contributions of funds, programme, agencies and other UN organisations;
• contributions of Major Groups and other constituencies; and
• CSD as the focal point for partnerships for sustainable development.

This group will also address decisions on the future organisation of the Bureau, and SIDS (Small Island Developing States).

PLENARY:
A plenary will convene from 3-4pm to prepare for the 10-year review of the Barbados Programme of Action on SIDS.